The Use of a Closed-Suction Drain in Revision Knee Arthroplasty May Not Be Necessary: A Prospective Randomized Study

81 patients (83 knees) were randomized to undergo revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) either with or without a deep intra-articular drain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are immediate benefits (within the first 48 postoperative hours) of a suction drain after revision TKA. Findings indicated greater volume of blood loss and incidence of transfusion in the suction drain group compared to the control group without a suction drain. No significant differences between groups were reported for rate of haemarthrosis, incidence of skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, and deep infection.